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Chapter 2: Insomnia

Insomnia Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated to be effective in improving sleep latency1 and sleep maintenance.2, 3, 4, 5 CBT often produces better long-term outcomes than pharmacotherapy.6 Drawbacks to CBT are that it is time-consuming for both therapist and patient, and the therapist’s need for specialized training. A recent study demonstrated that an abbreviated, user-friendly, two-session CBT process successfully reduced insomnia symptoms in primary care patients.7

CBT treatments for insomnia that can be administered by trained sleep or behavioral specialists include the following evidence-based treatments (each is described in more detail in the following sections):